spacetoday.net: Weather delays Atlas launch

Posted: Thu, Apr 10, 2003, 11:04 PM ET (0304 GMT)
Atlas 3B launch on AC-204 mission (ILS)

Cloud cover and shifting strong upper-level winds forced the postponement Thursday night of an Atlas launch of a commercial communications satellite. The Atlas 3B was scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 8:09 pm EDT (0009 GMT Friday) at the beginning of a 72-minute launch window. The launch was initially delayed because of thick clouds in the vicinity of Pad 36B. By the time clouds cleared the upper-level wind pattern had shifted compared to prior balloon measurements, and there was not enough time to fly another balloon to measure the winds before the end of the launch window. The launch has been rescheduled for Friday at 8:08 pm EDT (0008 GMT Saturday), again with a 72-minute launch window. The Atlas 3B is carrying the Boeing-built AsiaSat 4 communications satellite. The launch would be the second for the Atlas 3B and the third overall for the Atlas 3 family.